Sebastian Munden awarded CBE for contributions to the Circular Economy through his work with WRAP and Ad Net Zero.
Circular economy NGO, WRAP, has received a nod in King Charles’ New Year Honours, with Sebastian Munden, chair of the global board of trustees, receiving a CBE for services to Business and to the Circular Economy.
Sebastian is the independent Chair of the advisory steering group for Pack UK – the scheme administrator for UK household packaging recycling (Extended Producer Responsibility). The group representing industry sectors, all home nations, and local authorities has been giving wide-ranging input to Pack UK during the set-up of the scheme.
Through his work, Sebastian has championed sustainable innovation that’s better for business, addressing environmental issues linked to plastic, food and packaging waste. Under his leadership Unilever became a founding signatory to the UK Plastic Pact, in 2018.
Sebastian Munden said, “This is an incredible honour. I’d like to pay tribute to my former colleagues at Unilever for over three decades of developing new products together, without whose inspiring partnership none of this would have been possible. And to my current colleagues at WRAP and Ad Net Zero working with businesses to make the circular economy an everyday reality across many different sectors.
“It’s also recognition for all those in the grocery industry working to create a better packaging system, and for the practical contribution of businesses alongside national and local governments in the way change is implemented.
“It’s a joy to work alongside so many people who want to innovate a better future that’s also better business, with the circular economy growing in value much faster than the economy as a whole.”
Catherine David, CEO of WRAP said, “This recognition reflects the power of sustained, collaborative leadership.
“Sebastian has been instrumental in reshaping how businesses think and act, helping move the circular economy from the margins to the mainstream and demonstrating how business, government and industry can work together to deliver meaningful change at scale.
“He’s an inspirational leader to work with, bringing deep business experience, creativity and humility to tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time. He has a rare ability to think across sectors and disciplines to generate new solutions to old problems, and a clear belief in making big businesses better and better businesses bigger.
“I’m thrilled to see Sebastian recognised for his outstanding contributions, including his leadership as Chair of WRAP, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside him in turning bold ideas into lasting change.”
